Pursue Undergraduate Program in

Health Studies

Health care is undergoing fundamental change from solely treating acute illness to focusing on a person’s whole needs for wellness—where physical health, mental health and social supports are explored—involving a team of health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, mental health specialists and others. In this new model, health managers, information specialists and policy experts are fundamentally important to leading the change and York’s Health Studies program prepares students for careers in these dynamic fields.

Are you interested in health but are not sure you want to be a doctor or a nurse? Did you know that non-clinical health professions are among the fastest growing occupations in Canada? Did you know that doctors and nurses rely upon health managers, information specialists and policy experts to ensure that our health care system serves our needs and is sustainable? That’s because health managers oversee systems to ensure the quality of care and services for patients, information specialists provide and analyze data that hospital executives rely upon to make decisions, and policy specialists advise governments on the best ways to meet patient and broader societal needs today and in the future.

Non-clinical careers available to graduates with a Bachelor of Health Studies (includes those in the Specialized Honours Health Informatics, Health Management, and Health Policy, or the Honours in Health Studies) include health manager, health policy researcher/analyst, health data/information specialist in many sectors including hospitals, government, industry, universities, non-government agencies, and the non-profit sector. The Toronto Star lists health policy research and consulting, business management, and information analysts and consultants, as among Toronto's Top Jobs.

Our program emphasizes an approach to health that focuses on broader societal issues. As such, it would build upon students' already acquired knowledge of the basic sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, but such a foundation is not necessary or required to master the material provided in our courses.

Health Management

Bachelor of Health Studies (BHS)

Specialized Honours

With a growing population and demand for more health services, one of the fastest growing professions is that of health care manager. In the health management program, students learn about the health system from an organizational perspective through courses that cover health management, leadership and decision-making, measuring health system performance, health finance, and integrated health systems.

Health Informatics

Bachelor of Health Studies (BHS)

Specialized Honours

Computers, networks, mobile technology and apps are rapidly changing health and health care – everything from how we communicate with our health care providers, to how we get information, to how health care professionals collect, share and use electronic information that directly affects our health. Students learn how to analyze and evaluate information crucial to health care decision-making.

Health Policy 

Bachelor of Health Studies (BHS)

Specialized Honours

Political, economic, cultural, and environmental considerations all factor into how health care decisions are made. In this program, students explore health care decision-making and the role of both government and non-government organizations. Important issues are covered, including the public/private mix in health care, integrated health systems, international health systems, the influence of stakeholder groups such as the pharmaceutical industry and more.

Health Studies

Honours Bachelor of Health Studies (BHS)

Not sure if you want to focus on Health Management, Informatics or Policy in your first year? Then choose Health Studies and explore all three. In addition to taking courses in management, informatics and policy, students study the breadth and depth of health and health care through a wide variety of issues and social contexts (e.g. social status and disability, homelessness), including case studies in health care in the community. Societal factors that determine why some people stay healthy and others become ill are also examined such as income, stress, early life, social exclusion, work conditions, unemployment, social support, mental health, addiction, food and transportation.

Health Studies offers students the flexibility to attain a double major or do a minor in other Faculty of Health or York programs. The program also provides students with the prerequisites for postgraduate study in a professional program (e.g. medicine, law) or graduate school.

Courses

All students, whether in the Specialized Honours options (Management, Informatics or Policy) or the Honours Bachelor of Health Studies option, take the same core courses, including:

• Health Management I                • Health Policy: Power & Politics                      • Health Care Law
• Health Informatics I                    • Social Determinants of Health                       • Health Care Ethics

• Foundations of Health Studies

You can pursue this degree in conjunction with the Certificate in Health Informatics as well as the Health Services Financial Management Certificate.

You might be interested in other programs from the Faculty of Health or Health & Society.

 

Work Placement Opportunity

Students have an opportunity in 4th year to get hands on experience through a field placement in a variety of health care settings in which students are mentored and supported by fieldwork-supervisors (HLST 4990 Health Studies Practicum).

Possible Career Paths: 

  • Health Care Manager
  • Health Systems Planner
  • Quality Performance Manager
  • Information Coordinator
  • Project Manager
  • Health Policy Researcher
  • Data Analyst
  • Health Finance Manager
  • Health Information Specialist
  • Systems Designer
  • Systems Integration Specialist
  • Software Developer
  • Health Human Resources Manager
  • Health Policy Advisor/Analyst
  • Community Health Worker
  • Health Care Consultant
  • Health Writer/Communications Professional
  • Doctor*
  • Nurse*
  • Lawyer*
  • Professor*
  • Teacher*

*with further postgraduate training

Program Details

Offered By

Faculty of Health

Degrees Offered

BHS

Fall Entry

Yes

Winter Entry

Yes

Summer Entry

Yes

Ways to Study

Full-Time, Part-Time

Sample Schedule (First-year)

  • Foundations of Health Studies
  • Foundations of Health Studies II: Health on the Front Lines
  • Making Sense of a Changing World: Anthropology Today (Recommended General Education Course)
  • Introduction to Microeconomics (for Health Management, Health Informatics, and Health Policy Specialized Honours)
  • Introduction to Business (for Health Management Specialized Honours)
  • Information and Organizations (for Health Informatics Specialized Honours)

Possible Career Paths

  • health policy specialist/researcher
  • health manager (HR, resources, systems)
  • health information specialist
  • information system designer
  • data analyst
  • clinic director
  • project coordinator
  • software developer
  • health systems planner
  • doctor
  • lawyer
Explore what you can do with your degree

Viewbooks

Undergraduate Viewbook (PDF) Transfer & Mature Viewbook (PDF) Indigenous Viewbook (PDF) International Viewbook (PDF)
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Faculty of Health

BHS

Requirements for admission:
  • Alberta High School Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31 - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma
  • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
  • And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Baccalauréat Général
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Première Spécialité mathématiques OR Terminale math
    • A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Successful completion of the final year of senior studies
    • Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
    • Some programs require a higher GPA.
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Senior-level math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Diploma with a total of at least six units, including prerequisites, and grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit.
    • A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • 2-unit math
    • CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • One year of CEGEP
  • 2 semesters of English (code 603) / Français (code 601)
  • And ten additional academic courses (high-school equivalent courses not accepted) - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    • Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Grade 12 math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Lise Diplomasi
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Senior-level math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • A-level math
    • GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
    To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
    The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Twelfth Year math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma
    • IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • One of the following math subjects
      • Analysis and Approaches higher-level
      • Analysis and Approaches standard-level
      • Applications and Interpretations higher-level
      • Applications and Interpretations standard-level
    • Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
    To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
    The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Completion of one of the following:
    • All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
    • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
    • Indian School Certificate (ISC)
    • Intermediate Examination Certificate
    • Pre-University Examination Certificate
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Grade XII math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Manitoba High School Diploma
  • English 40S
  • And four additional 40S level academic subjects (no more than one at the 40G level) - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma
  • English 120, 121 or 122
  • And five additional Grade 12 academic subjects (college preparatory 120, 121 or 122) - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Newfoundland and Labrador High School Graduation Diploma
  • English 3201
  • And nine additional credits at the 3000 level - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma
  • English 12
  • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced) - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Nunavut High School Graduation Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31 - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Northwest Territories High School Graduation Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31 - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • ENG4U
  • And five additional 4U or M courses - recommendation(s) below:
    • 4U math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    OUAC code YHE
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college
  • Overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
  • 4U math (recommended)
    • Faculty of Health

    BHS

    To be considered a mature student, you must:
  • Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
  • Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
  • Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
  • Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
  • 4U math (recommended)
    • Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Completion of at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university
  • Applicants to Honours-level program: Overall average of 2.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
  • Applicants to Bachelor-level program: Overall average of 2.0 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
  • 4U math (recommended)
    • Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Prince Edward Island Senior Secondary School Diploma
  • English 621
  • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (numbered 611 or 621) - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Quebec Grade 12 Certificate of Graduation
  • Grade 12 English
  • And five additional academic (university preparation level) subjects - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement
  • English A30 and English B30
  • And three additional Grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30 - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • General Secondary Education Certificate
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Senior-level math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • High School Diploma
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Senior-level math
    • AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
  • The following course(s) are also recommended:
    • Senior-level math
    Faculty of Health

    BHS

    Requirements for admission:
  • Yukon High School Diploma
  • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
  • And three additional Grade 12 Academic subjects - recommendation(s) below:
    • Senior-level math
    To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 72.